A Valentine’s postscript...

BY LOOKING around, one can still feel the heat of Valentine. It is during these times that love is expressed through the cheesiest ways and hearts are yearning for the right love match.

Cards, letters, chocolates, flowers, hearts –these are some of the common gifts and symbols for Valentine.

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Valentine’s Day has been an annual tradition honoring lovers every February 14th.

It has been a practice to send greeting cards or gifts on this day to express love and affection.

Since it is a special event for lovers, almost all couples celebrated it with their Valentine. But if one has no Valentine, then he would choose his closest friend/s to spend time with.

“Love is in the air during this day, so I consider it special especially if I have a girlfriend, but if I don’t have one, I usually spend it with my friends. Luckily, this year I have a girlfriend and she’s the perfect Valentine ever,” said Allan Antigo, University of Baguio student.

Valentine’s Day require thorough planning. Most of the couples aim for an ideal date to spend together.

Different types of dates are usually done by couples. Some couples go to fancy restaurants while others just hang out in their homes. There are also those who usually exchange gifts or give personalized cards. But it has not been much of an issue about what you do or give as long as you are with your valentine.

There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day whether expensive or cheap. 20 couples from random universities in Baguio were asked regarding their plans on Valentine’s Day.

Expensive things on a pensive mood

There are things that don’t come in cheap prices. With some couples, Valentine’s Day should be celebrated in a fancy way regardless of the cost.

Since Valentine’s Day happens once a year, there are some who want to make this date the most romantic celebration.

Based on a survey done by the authors, the top date for Valentines is dinner in a fancy restaurant with a cozy ambience.

The places that have been considered the best love-ambience are Italian restaurants like Don Henricos and Volante. “Ideal but realistic date? Siguro yayain ko siya sa Volante,” said Tashia Carreon, University of the Philippines-Baguio student.

It also has been a tradition that a man gives his woman flowers or chocolates for Valentine.

Matthew Gonzales, a Saint Louis University student said “I will take her out to dinner, give flowers and chocolates too,” when asked on his plans for Valentine’s Day. Otherwise, there are those who give Valentine gifts that will last like stuffed toys or matching jewelries. Teddy bears, necklaces/ matching pendant, rings and the like are the common treats couples usually give to each other.

Movies can also set the mood for couples. It is expected that movie houses are full during this day.

Couples usually watch Valentine’s Day special movie to arouse their emotion and really feel the love.

A romantic movie, snuggly ambience plus popcorn and sodas make couples enjoy their time together.

Some also celebrate this day with different types of indoor and outdoor activities. They usually go for an activity that triggers closure and intimacy –like mini golf, bowling or hiking. This is the time where a guy usually impresses the girl with his skills. Couples usually take this moment to have fun together by learning a different sport.

Reap love in a cheap manner

Love can also be celebrated in an economical way. For others, Valentine’s Day shouldn’t come with a price.

Because of the celebration of Panagbenga this February, the city offered events like the Fluvial Parade and the Camelot Garden on 14th. Some surveyed couples prefer to spend their Valentine’s together in going to these events. They rather relax and chill together in Burnham Park.

The survey also revealed other ways to celebrate the event like hanging-out in the girl’s house, cuddling or having a DVD marathon of favorite movies.

“Bakit pa kami pipila at makikisiksikan sa sinehan, I prefer to just be with my Valentine and spend it ng kaming dalawa lang para intimate at wala pang gastos,” Jake de Guzman, student of the University of Cordilleras said.

Some guys can choose to do something thoughtful for the girl like cook for her, write a song, compose a poem or if possible create a video for her.

If both couple enjoys strolling, it is good for the body as well as the wallet to explore Baguio’s parks and enjoy nature.

Express love and impress

Valentine’s Day is also the moment for the guys to impress their ladies, especially if they are just in the stage of courtship.

According to Aubrey Marie Espiritu a nursing student from SLU, because of her duty on the 14th, she expected her suitor to treat her to a meal in Don Henricos.

“In terms of gifts, I expect nothing expensive from him,” said Espiritu, “just a simple card and a rose. I will also give him one. I guess I want the content of his card to surprise me.”

Guys who are in the process of courting must not only be the ones to impress their desired lady.

Continued expression of affection and love will surely strengthen your relationship.

It doesn’t matter whether you celebrate in an expensive and laborious manner or a cheap romantic get-together. The idea of Valentine’s Day is not to boast what you can do for your date but to express what you feel in the day of hearts.